$5,000 10th Anniversary Grant – Midland Area Reading Council

Exploring the galaxy, experiencing the War of 1812, and being awed by magic – the youth in Midland and Penetanguishene were kept busy in the spring of 2011.

Thanks to the Huronia Community Foundation 10th Anniversary Grant given to the Midland Area Reading Council (MARC), these free activities and more were offered at the Midland and Penetanguishene Public Libraries.

The $5,000 grant allowed a partnership between MARC and the two public libraries, and included entertaining and educational shows such as ‘The Amazing Universe’, presented by the University of Toronto; ‘SPLASH – Water Magic Workshop Show’ with the Amazing Corbin; ‘Soldier’s Story – The War of 1812’ with historical re-enactor David Brunelle; and ‘Warbird’ by author Jennifer Maruno.

The eight free education programs in March and April captured the attention of local youth and kept them engaged in worlds formerly unknown to them. The response has been so positive that local Francophone schools have approached MARC about offering future shows in French.

“We thank the Huronia Community Foundation for believing in this idea and supporting it with the Anniversary Grant,” said Karen Mealing of MARC. “We are hopeful that these presentations will spark a continued interest in learning and education for younger members of our community.”